Japanese (Language and Culture) 1 (A)

Course Title

Course Title in English

Japanese (Language and Culture) 1 (A)

Course Type

General Courses

−

Eligible Students

School of Economics and Management

Target Grade

All

Course Numbering Code

IACBG1GCA7

Credits

1.00Credits

The course numbering code represents the faculty managing the subject, the department of the target students, and the education category (liberal arts / specialized course). For detailed information, please download the separate manual from the upper right 'question mark'.

Type of Class

講義・演習 (Lecture/Seminar)

Eligible Year/Semester

Fall semester 2026

(Fall semester)

Instructor

Tamas Carmen

Affiliation

School of Economics and Management

Language of Instruction

English

Related SDGs

3／4

Office Hours and Location

By appointment・B307

Contact

tamas@em.u-hyogo.ac.jp

Corresponding Diploma Policy

A double circle indicates the most relevant DP number and a circle indicates the associated DP.

Corresponding Undergraduate School DP

ー

Corresponding Graduate School DP

ー

Corresponding University-Wide DP

1-2◎／2-1◎

Academic Goals of Teacher Training Course

ー

Course Objectives and Learning Outcome

The purpose of this class is to provide students with a basic, general knowledge of Japanese culture that will help them to both adjust to life in Japan, and to understand the universal and culture-specific elements of Japanese culture. By the end of the class, students will have become familiar with the relevant concepts defining Japanese culture, as well as aspects of history, tradition, and society.

Subtitle and Keywords of the Class

Japanese culture, Japanese society

Course Overview and Schedule

1. Introduction. Course overview
2. Japanese language— general characteristics
3. History and mythology (Understanding Japanese Society ch. 1)
4. Myths in contemporary society
5. Contemporary Japanese society (UJS ch. 2)
6. Family, house and "ie" (UJS ch. 2)
7. Review and discussion
8. Midterm
9. Field trip to Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
10. Socialisation and classification (UJS ch. 3)
11. "Uchi", "soto", and other types of classification (UJS ch. 3)
12. Rural communities (USJ ch. 4)
13. Urban communities (UJS ch. 4)
14. New Year in Japan
15. Review and discussion

In-person/Remote Classification

In-person

Implementation Method and Remote Credit Limit Application

• In-person classes only
• Not subject to the cap on distance-education credits

Uses of Generative AI

Limited permission for use

Precautions for using Generative AI

AI may be used for the purpose of translating materials or identifying sources (which must be verified with the original document/ text) ONLY.

Textbook

Joy Hendry, Emma Cook-- "Understanding Japanese Society" 6th edition, Routledge/ Nissan Institute for Japanese Studies 2025

References

A detailed list of references will be provided by the instructor.

Contents and Estimated Time for Pre- and Post- Learning (Preparation and Review)

Students are expected to use at least 60 minutes in preparation for the next class (reading the materials indicated by the instructor), and 30 minutes reviewing the content of the current class.

Contents of Active Learning

A field trip may be scheduled so that students can both observe daily Japanese life in contexts associated with class content (shrines, temples, performance stages), and analyze those situations based on their direct observations, from a comparative perspective.

Grading Criteria and Methods

Grading criteria:

S (90%~) excellent (thorough mastery of course material & concepts)

A (80%~) good (proficient grasp of most course material & concepts)

B (70%~) fair (general understanding of principal course material & concepts)

C (60%~) poor but passing (superficial familiarity with some course material)

In order to obtain the credits for this course, at least a C (60%) is necessary.

Evaluation methods:

Active contribution to class activities (discussions, presentations) 25%, midterm 30%, final exam 45%

How to Disclose Assignments and Exam Results

Students will receive continuous feedback in class, after the midterm, and during the final review class.

Precautions and Requirements for Course Registration

Students are expected to read the indicated materials before coming to class, so that they can actively take part in discussions.

Practical Education

A short research trip may be scheduled as part of the class.

Remarks

In cases where any differences arise between the English version and the original Japanese version, the Japanese version shall prevail as the official authoritative version.

Syllabus data